Hull FC stun second-placed Leeds 18-12 to end season on a high
Hull FC spoiled Leeds Rhinos' big night at Headingley, winning 18-12 on Friday 11 September to sign off their Super League season.
The Black and Whites held on in the final round of the regular season. The win closed Hull's 2026 Betfred Super League campaign, according to BBC Sport. The final score was recorded as Leeds Rhinos 12-18 Hull FC, per Hull FC.
It hurt Leeds. The Rhinos started the night second in the table, reported by the BBC. They needed to beat Hull and hope Wigan Warriors lost elsewhere to stay in contention for the League Leaders' Shield, the trophy given to the club that finishes top of the regular-season table before the play-offs begin, according to Super League.
The tie was Round 27 of the Men's Super League, the last weekend of the regular schedule. Kick-off was 8.00pm at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds. For Hull, listed as an away trip, it was billed from the start as their final fixture of the year.
There was an extra layer of emotion for the visitors. Winger Tom Briscoe made the final appearance of his career in the match. He was named in Hull's squad for Headingley with his retirement already confirmed.
That is some way to go out. Beating the league's second-placed side away from home takes defensive grit. In rugby league, with 13 players a side and only six tackles to make ground before the ball is handed over, field position is everything. To win at a ground like Headingley, Hull had to tackle hard, complete their sets and take their chances.
For fans, this means two very different feelings. Hull finish with a scalp and momentum for the winter. Leeds head into what comes next having let a chance slip.
